Automated engine oil change system and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention encompasses a system and method for automatically replacing vehicle fluid, such as engine oil, with a robotic serving unit or robotic machine. The robotic machine comprises a motorized, autonomously maneuverable unit that has on its top a drainage arm to connect with an oil drain plug of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the oil drain plug comprises a hollow interior for the drainage arm to connect with and drain the oil, and can also comprise a sealable element to retain the oil.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an automated system or apparatus for changingfluid in a vehicle, especially the engine oil in a vehicle. In oneaspect, the vehicle is parked in a parking lot and identified by arobotic system either at the request of the vehicle owner, a timing orcalendar device, or a remote sensor signal of the condition of theexisting engine oil. Once identified, a robotic device moves intoposition near the vehicle, inserts a tube into an existing valve in theoil pan drain plug, removes the oil, and then replaces the oil. Therobotic device contains reservoirs for used oil and one or more types ofclean engine oil. A payment system and account database monitors the oilchange activity and charges the vehicle owner or customer for theservice through the use of a host computer. The system convenientlychanges the engine oil while the customer is away from the vehicle. Inanother aspect, the invention relates to an oil drain plug that can beused in conjunction with the automated system or apparatus. This oildrain plug is used to put the oil in the vehicle in fluid communicationwith a robotic or other system for automating the removal of spent orused oil and/or its replacement with fresh oil. The oil drain plug caninclude a hollow internal conduit that is controlled by insertion of adrain arm on the robotic system once correctly positioned near thevehicle.

Routine vehicle maintenance, such as an oil change, requires taking timeto visit an establishment and then waiting. For most individuals, thisis not considered an entertaining or desirable aspect of using a motorvehicle. Systems that can perform the maintenance automatically andwhile the vehicle owner is not operating the vehicle would beadvantageous in relieving the owner of both visiting an establishmentand waiting for the service to be completed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a system for changing the engine oil of a targetmotor vehicle (TMV) involving: a computer-based customer identificationand processing unit for storing and transmitting customer identificationdata in a computer database; a robotic servicing unit operativelyconnected to the identification and processing unit, where the roboticunit moves to a vehicle for servicing the vehicle upon receipt of anauthorization signal, and where the robotic unit contains one or moretubes for inserting into an existing oil pan drain bolt or plug in thevehicle for removing and adding oil, the robotic unit further containingstorage reservoirs for used oil and one or more types of replacementengine oil; and a signal communicator for directing the robotic unit toa specified vehicle and receiving information from and controlling therobotic unit, and for producing a signal authorizing payment andapproving servicing for the vehicle.

In one aspect, authorization and identification for servicing andbilling is transmitted by means of a first signal produced by a unit inthe vehicle or by the customer. For example, the customer can select adate for an oil change and park the vehicle in a pre-determined parkinglot. Alternatively, the signal can be sent from a device in the vehicleitself while it is within a pre-determined distance from the roboticunit. A second, separate signal is transmitted to the robotic unit toorder the oil change and identify the vehicle. The second signal beginsthe control of the actual oil change service, which includes initiatingand terminating the oil change and optionally the selection of oil typefor the vehicle.

In another aspect, an alternative ordering and billing signal areprovided at the robotic unit by the customer. The customer can then payin advance for the oil change and select the type of oil and inputinformation on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the type of oil isselected or confirmed from the vehicle manufacturer's informationavailable and then used to replace the vehicle engine oil.

In a further aspect of the invention, the automatic servicing unitincludes an automatic oil dispenser for supplying oil to the vehicle,which includes an inserting tube that pairs with an existing oil pandrain plug that allows the tube to be inserted. In other aspects, theinvention includes a pump or means for transferring oil from a storagereservoir to the oil pan of the vehicle, the transfer including amoveable dispensing head and associated nozzle or tip or tube, guidancemeans for directing the dispensing head and nozzle toward the oil pandrain plug, and optionally an engagement device for locking anddisengaging the nozzle and the oil pan drain plug to avoid spills. Thereservoirs (6) shown in the Figures are an example of the number andconfiguration possible. However, many other shapes, configurations, andnumbers of reservoirs can be selected in designing the automaticservicing unit. Furthermore, the reservoirs can be operably connected toholes or fluid exchange valves on the top or other surface of theservicing unit to simplify the flow of fluid in to or out of one or moreof the reservoirs. The Figures should not be taken as a limitation onthe design options for the automatic servicing unit or robotic machineof the invention.

The invention in another aspect comprises a system for changing theengine oil of a motor vehicle using a customer identification andprocessing unit for storing and transmitting customer identificationdata, and then sending an authorization signal to a robotic machine orservicing unit. The robotic unit comprises a drainage arm and tube forinserting into an existing oil drain plug of a vehicle and a pump for atleast replacing oil, and storage reservoirs for the used oil. Therobotic unit is directed to a vehicle and by receiving information froma central controller or computer, which can also control the roboticunit. The system can also employ a novel oil drain plug that comprises asealable opening and a hollow interior to allow the flow of fluid fromone elongated end of the plug to the other, and wherein the exteriorbolt head section on one elongated end of the oil drain plug can beconnected to a drainage arm of the robotic unit, so that oil can flowinto and out of the vehicle. Generally, the drain plug contains in itshollow interior a resistance device to seal a plugging device againstthe opening of the drain plug when the drainage arm is not connected tothe drain plug at the exterior bolt head section. The drainage arm andtube of the robotic unit can be precisely positioned to connect to theoil drain plug by motors on the robotic unit, extendable tubes on thedrainage arm, telescoping tubes, or similar mechanisms. Other aspects ofthe invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary robotic machine of the invention, where the drainarm (3) is shown extended in the top view, and the lower view shows thereservoirs (6) inside the machine with the top (2) removed.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the robotic machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the interior of the robotic machine of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the robotic machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a close-up, cut-away view of an interior section of themachine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an expanded view of an exemplary pump and valve system forcontrolling the flow of spent oil from the vehicle and the flow of freshoil into the vehicle, without mixing the spent oil with the fresh oil.

FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away view of an example of the oil drain plug ofthe invention showing interior features within the hollow center of thedrain plug.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of an oil drain plug showing interior featuresas well as examples of the design options for the seal to the opening ofthe drain plug.

FIG. 9 is partial cut-away view of an example of an oil drain plugshowing interior features.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the bolt head section of the oil drain plugshowing the hole to the hollow interior for draining oil, and markingsfor orienting the robotic machine with respect to the drain plug whiledraining and filling through the tube of the drainage arm.

FIGS. 11 through 14 show exemplary designs of the oil drain plug and themechanism to securely retain the oil in the oil drain pan and at thesame time allow access to the oil by the drainage arm mechanism of therobotic machine during the automated draining and replenishing of oil asperformed by the robotic machine of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary drainage arm tip or drain tube, designed tofit into and connect with a corresponding drain plug.

FIG. 16 shows a partial cut-away view of the drain tube of FIG. 15connected to a corresponding drain plug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system of the invention (autonomous or semi-autonomous) changes theoil in a motor vehicle and generally encompasses the following functionsor elements: a unit to identify the target motor vehicle (TMV); amechanism to propel the oil change robotic unit itself to the TMV; apositioning unit to correctly position the robotic unit beneath thevehicle so it can access the oil drain plug; a mechanism to remove oilfrom the TMV; a compartment or storage reservoir into which the spentoil is stored; at least one fresh oil compartment or storage reservoir;and a pumping unit to remove spent oil and/or install fresh oil. In oneembodiment, the oil can be drained by gravity and an air vent ordisplacement vent.

Once the oil is changed on the TMV, the system can then seek the nexttarget motor vehicle or may optionally be housed in a rest station inwhich it can recharge, refill with oil, and discharge spent oil. Therobotic unit can visit the rest station between oil changes if desiredor useful.

One object of the system and method of this invention can effect an oilchange autonomously. The customer, or owner of the motor vehicle, neednot be present and a mechanic is not required. In one example, thesystem can identify the target motor vehicle by means of a specificpre-selected parking place where the target motor vehicle is parked. Ifthe target motor vehicle (TMV) is always present in the same physicallocation (i.e., the same parking space) then finding the TMV isself-explanatory and the system retains in its database the location ofthat TMV. The system can optionally contain a license plate reader andidentify the TMV amongst a plurality of other motor vehicles by readingthe license plates. Car dealerships, community parking lots, sports andentertainment venue parking lots, and employee parking lots are justsome examples where a license plate reader can be used. The robotic oilchange unit can also be dropped off at the customer's or owner'slocation or home and from there effect an oil change as if it were in aparking lot. The robotic oil change unit has an onboard processor, oneor more cameras or sensors for positioning the robotic movement anddirecting movement, or for identifying vehicles, and optionally anonboard computer memory device.

For correctly positioning the robotic unit beneath the car, theapparatus or system can affect an oil change by correctly positioningthe robotic unit beneath the TMV. To do this, the robotic unit canidentify fixed points from which it can calculate or deduce the properlocation to begin the oil change. Fixed points include tires, bumpers,oil pan, oil drain plug, and other fixed points on motor vehicles knownto those skilled in the art. Because every model of motor vehicle hasfixed specifications, the machine of the present invention can read inthe correct location from data storage or a memory device, optionallystored in a host computer in communication with the robotic machine orin the robotic machine itself.

In one embodiment, the oil drain plug of the TMV has been replaced witha custom one that facilitates identification as well as oildrainage/replacement steps. One option for the custom drain plug is aball valve so that it is not necessary to screw/unscrew the oil drainplug. This apparatus would be pre-installed on the TMV and is not likelyto spill oil. Another option allows the identification to easily occuron an unmodified TMV via automated video interpretation, ultrasonicdetection, sonar, lidar, and other methods. Another option is a modifiedTMV that contains one or more identifying markers placed on it inadvance to facilitate proper positioning of the robotic oil change unitbeneath the car. Such identifying markers can include stickers, RFIDtags, and physical way points such as uniquely identifiable nuts, bolts,washers, and other forms (metal, plastic).

For changing the oil or vehicle fluid, the system identifies the oil pandrain bolt, which is optionally modified with markings, tags, stickersor RFID labels or tags, and then inserts a tube into it. The drain armor tube removes and directs the oil to the spent oil reservoir. A ventfor air to flow in and out, thereby facilitating oil drainage by gravityor by pump, can be incorporated into the system, for example in thedrain arm or the conduits for oil in the robotic machine. After waitingfor a certain amount of time to ensure a substantial amount of oil hasbeen drained from the TMV, the robotic oil change unit directs the flowof fresh oil into the engine. Finally, the robotic oil change unitwithdraws the tube from the vehicle having effected an oil change.Again, with a custom ball valve for the oil drain plug it is notnecessary to screw/unscrew the oil drain plug and this method is notlikely to spill oil.

In one example, the oil pan drain plug aspect of the invention isdesigned to replace the vehicle's current drain plug. The drain plug isoptionally modified to facilitate its spatial location by the machine orapparatus of the present invention. In part, the drain plug allows theremoval and replacement of fluid without disconnecting or removing thedrain plug from the vehicle or the oil pan. Alternatively, a speciallydesigned oil pan with no drain plug but instead a connection point forthe drainage arm and tube of the robotic machine of the invention can bedesigned and used.

The machine or apparatus of the present invention accomplishes severaltasks with the end goal being the removal and replacement of fluid froma vehicle. A first step lies in identifying the target vehicle whosefluid needs to be changed. Vehicles are uniquely identified bygovernment and/or manufacturer identifiers. In the case of a car ortruck, a license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) servesthis purpose. A unique identification may not be necessary provided thetarget vehicle can be distinguished from other vehicles in the area. Inthe case where the location of the target vehicle is known, the roboticmachine of the present invention can navigate to the target vehiclelocation using navigation algorithms contained on the machine or anexternal navigation systems, such as global positioning system (GPS)inputs, or other methods of positioning known to those skilled in theart including, but not limited to, RADAR, LIDAR, infrared sensing, etc.In the case that the target vehicle's exact location is unknown, forexample, in a parking lot, the robotic machine of the present inventioncould identify the location of the target vehicle using a camera toidentify the vehicle's unique identifier e.g. license plate. A differentbeacon or identifier may also be placed on the target vehicle tofacilitate its identification. Another option is to embed within thedrain plug a tag or beacon that can be sensed remotely and which encodesa unique identifier of the target vehicle. Whether the target vehicle islocated in a known position or is identified by the robotic machine ofthe present invention, the machine moves itself in the proper positionin order to drain or replace fluid of the target vehicle. Variousautomated guided vehicles or robots can be used to design the roboticservicing unit of this invention, i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,001,799, and9,902,069.

To drain or replace the fluid contained in the target vehicle therobotic machine of the present invention possesses a system by which itcan move. This system should be sufficiently robust so that it canlocate itself near the target vehicle and sufficiently precise such thatit can position itself properly to facilitate a fluid change. A widevariety of methods are capable of moving the machine of the presentinvention, these include, treads, wheels, or rollers. See, for example,US 20130292918 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,335.

In the case where the robotic machine of the present invention mustavoid obstacles en route to the target vehicle it may optionally possesssoftware to help it avoid obstacles and or markings such as a flag sothat it can be avoided by potential hazards, such as a vehicle.

Once the target vehicle has been located, the machine of the presentinvention positions itself beneath or within reach of the targetvehicle. In positioning beneath the target vehicle, the robotic machineof the present invention can position itself precisely under the targetvehicle such that the machine of the present invention can transferfluid between itself and the target vehicle, and vice versa. The machineof the present invention can accomplish this by either directlypositioning itself under the vehicle's fluid drain or by positioningitself nearby the vehicle's fluid drain and then move to the vehicle'sdrain by using predetermined measurements.

An extension of the drain arm of the machine of the present inventioncan be used in order to drain or replace vehicle fluid. The machine ofthe present invention possesses a system by which the fluid from thetarget vehicle or machine of the present invention can be transferred.The system should minimize leakage during the transfer of fluid. Anexample of a system would be an arm that extends from the machine of thepresent invention and connects with the target vehicle's drain plug suchthat a seal is created between the arm of the machine of the presentinvention and the target vehicle's oil drain plug. The machine of thepresent invention could accomplish the task of connecting with thetarget vehicle's drain through several available methods, including thefollowing methods: connecting with a plug; magnetic tip or ringespecially high power magnets like neodymium magnets; magnetic washersor gaskets or high power magnets like neodymium; a RFID sensor; orsuction. FIGS. 15 and 16 show an exemplary connection to the drain plugand the components shown can be constructed of high power magneticmaterials or can contain RFID tags and sensors to improve the preciseconnection point at the drain plug.

The arm can be extended in a variety of angles, from completelyperpendicular to the ground to a more shallow angle depending on theorientation of the drain plug. A motor on the robotic machine controlsthe angle of the drainage arm and extension of the drainage arm and/orits extension tube for connecting to the oil drain plug. The drain armmay optionally contain a valve that can direct the draining fluid to aspecific chamber within the machine of the present invention. The valvemay also prevent spent and replacement fluid from mixing.

The drainage or replacement of the vehicle fluid from target vehicle maybe accomplished by draining into a chamber contained in the roboticmachine of the present invention, or a containment vessel, or a bagcontained in the robotic machine of the present invention.

Fresh fluid can be added by means of a pump. The pump is run until suchtime as an adequate amount of fresh fluid has been added to the targetvehicle. An adequate amount of fluid can be measured directly by thepump or indirectly by monitoring the weight of the machine or reservoirused in the present invention. The drain arm of the machine of thepresent invention can then be removed from the drain plug and placed ina position that facilitates the movement of the machine of the presentinvention out from under the target vehicle. The machine of the presentinvention then contains spent fluid or oil, which may optionally bedisposed of before repeating the next fluid change on a new targetvehicle. Data can be collected throughout this process to facilitate itsimprovement, collect vehicle and customer information, as well as otherinformation on the process.

The robotic oil change unit may reside in a small station between oilchanges, where it can discharge spent oil into a container and refillwith new oil, especially oil specific for the vehicle whose oil is to bechanged next.

In another aspect, the customer servicing system embodying features ofthe present invention involves a system employing a robotic oil changeapparatus that electronically identifies a vehicle when the vehicle iswithin a predetermined distance of the robot rest station, authorizes atransaction by a customer from a database remotely communicating withthe robot, performs the oil change, and then authorizes a charge to thecustomer's account. The system includes a host computer to store accountinformation and service and vehicle information. Preferably, thecomputer is connected to the internet and account information can beaccessed by customers over the internet.

Turning to the description of the Drawings, FIG. 1 shows a partiallyexploded view of the robotic machine (1) with its top cover (2) removed.The drainage arm (3) is positioned on the top and is used to insert intothe drain plug, shown for example in FIGS. 7 and 10. The control of thedrainage arm (3) is dictated by the type, make and model of the vehicle,and the position of the angle and length of the drainage arm can becontrolled by telescoping tubes and/or by motors so that the end of thedrainage arm (3) can be inserted into a drain plug.

In FIG. 1, central conduit to pump (4) is in fluid communication withthe drainage arm (3) so that fluid or oil can be safely removed from thevehicle oil pan. Additional conduits, not shown, direct the inflow ofspent oil into one of the storage reservoirs (6). Each of the other ofthe four reservoirs (6) shown in FIG. 1 can be filled will fresh oil,and the exemplary depiction of four reservoirs in FIG. 1 is notlimiting. Any convenient number of reservoirs can be used andaccommodated into a desired robotic machine as designed according to theinvention. A central pump (5) is connected to each reservoir (6) forconducting fluid or oil into or out of that reservoir (6). The centralsection of the robotic machine (1) is shown in more detail in FIG. 5.FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the pump and valve central section of therobotic machine, as described below. In FIG. 5, the specifics of theconduit (17) into the interior of central conduit to pump (4) is shownin more detail.

The robotic machine (1) is typically on wheels (10) controlled by motorshoused within, as shown in motors (7) and power supply wires (8)directed to each motor. A battery (14) powers the motors as well as thecentral pump (5) and the device for controlling the movement of thedrainage arm (13). Exterior protective barriers (9) ensure that therobotic machine does not encounter anything in its course, and sensorsor an electronic eye (11) can be used to confirm the direction or pathto the target vehicle and avoid obstacles. Additionally, a camera (32)mounted on the top surface (2) can be used to, for example, identify atarget vehicle, the position of the robotic machine, or the drainage arm(3) in relation to the drain plug, and/or confirm the identity of thetarget vehicle. Braces (12) and slide bar (33) allow the camera (32) tomove along the top surface (2) and rotate if desired. The motor formoving the camera is not shown in FIG. 1. Drainage holes (15) can befound in each reservoir (6) to allow the spent oil to be drained, forexample, when the robotic machine returns to its station.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the robotic machine (1) with top (2) anddrainage arm (3) attached. The side of brace (12) is also visible, alongwith wheels (10). While wheels are depicted here, tracks, combinationsof tracks and wheels, and other propulsion devices or systems can beselected for use.

FIG. 3 shows a view looking down into some of the internal elements ofthe robotic machine (1) of FIG. 1. The battery (14), wires (8), drainholes (15) motors (7), reservoirs (6), and device for moving thedrainage arm (13) are all shown.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the robotic machine. Here, four drainholes (15) are shown, allowing each of the four reservoirs to drain. Thewheels (10) are also shown.

FIG. 5 shows an isolated view of the central section of the robotic unit(1) of FIG. 1, with a cut-away view of the central section with the pump(5). The central pump unit (5) is connected to a central conduit (4)that allows fluid to be directed to or from different directions orreservoirs based on the direction of the flow spout and the operation ofvalve #1 and valve #2. Valve1 (18) on the left of FIG. 5 allows spentoil to flow into one of the reservoirs by preventing the flow of spentoil out conduit (20), for example. Conduit (17) is connected to thedrainage arm (3) and when draining or filling oil to the vehicleconnected to the drain plug. Valve2 (19) allows fresh oil to be pumpedfrom a reservoir into the vehicle. Each of the multiple possiblereservoirs can be dedicated to receiving spent oil or holding fresh oil.Conduit (16) connects the pump (5) to a fresh oil reservoir to pumpfresh oil out conduit (17) after the robotic machine has drained thespent oil. While FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary two valves and two conduitsinto or out of the pump, embodiments with additional conduits and valvescan also be used.

FIG. 6 depicts an expanded view of the pump and valve system as seen inFIG. 5. Conduit (4) serves as the intake and output tube for spent oiland then fresh oil as the robotic machine performs the oil change methodsteps. The exterior of pump (5) is shown connected. Conduit (17) allowsthe inflow of fresh oil from a reservoir (not shown), and conduit (20)directs the spent oil to a reservoir. Valve1 (19) and valve2 (18)operate together to ensure that only spent oil enters a spent oilreservoir, while fresh oil is directed into the vehicle only when thespent oil reservoir is closed by a valve1.

Turning to the drain plug as shown in FIGS. 7-14, various sealingdevices or elements can be used to seal the oil in the drain pan of thecar when the robotic machine is not operationally placed under the drainpan. When the drainage arm is connected to the drain plug, it engagesand releases the seal to allow oil to drain out of the drain pan, andthen after to be filled with fresh oil. In FIG. 7, a retention device(21) securely holds the seal against the bolt head (22) section of thedrain plug to keep it sealed. A spring is an exemplary retention device(21). FIG. 8 depicts several of the many possible designs for the shapeor construction of the seal against the bolt head. For example, a springis connected at a point (24) to circular seal (23) to cover the openingout of the drain plug. Seal (23) is similar yet not as thick as thesecond example seal (25), which would operate in the same way. Each ofthe additional example seals (26), (27), and (28), shown here in crosssectionals views, can be used in conjunction with a bolt head designedto fit the seal and prevent oil from leaking out of the drain pan. Atthe same time, each seal can be removed from its sealed state in orderto allow spent oil to flow out and fresh oil to flow in.

FIG. 9 shows another cutaway view of a drain plug of the invention,where retention device (21), one example being a spring, compresses aseal against the bolt head section (22) of the drain plug. FIG. 10 showsadditional, exemplary elements of the bolt head section (22) that allowthe robotic machine to employ its camera and/or sensors to accuratelyposition itself under the drain plug. While markings are shown in FIG.10, various other embodiments can be used, including reflective coatingsor marks, grooves on the surface of the bolt head section (22), RFIDtags, a washer used in conjunction with the drain plug that comprises areflective element or RFID or grooves, for example. FIG. 10 also depictsthe opening for oil to flow in and out through the interior of the drainplug.

FIGS. 11-14 show some of the possible designs for the seal inconjunction with the corresponding shape of the interior side of thebolt head section (22). The designs shown in FIGS. 11-14 are similar tothose shown for just the seal element as shown in FIG. 8. One skilled inthe art is familiar with ways to design an appropriate combination ofseal and interior surface of the bolt head section in order to preventleaking oil and allow the oil to flow in and out when the roboticmachine engages its drainage arm.

FIGS. 15 and 16 depict an exemplary end tip arrangement for the drainagearm (3) and an exemplary connection between the tip and the drain plug.In FIG. 15, the end of the drainage arm includes an extended tip (34)fitted with a washer (37) to seal against the bolt head (22). The tipincludes an orifice (35) through which the fluid flows to drain or fill.The end of the tip (36) is designed specifically for the sealing deviceused for the drain plug, as shown in the examples of FIG. 8 and FIGS.11-14. As shown in FIG. 15, the design connects with that depicted inFIG. 11. FIG. 16 shows the tip (36) displacing seal (23) from the bolthead (22) section of the drain plug to allow flow of fluid in and outthrough orifice (35).

FIG. 16 shows a cutaway view of the end tip of FIG. 15 depressing theretention device (21) in order to move the seal (23) away from bolt head(22). In this configuration, the seal (23) is separated from the bolthead (22) so that fluid can flow in or out through orifice (35). Theretention device (21) is shown as compressed in this view, opening theinterior of the drain plug at the bolt head (22) end. The interior ofthe opposite end of the drain plug is always open to the fluid in thedrain pan.

The configuration and designs shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are merelyexemplary, and many different connections between the end of thedrainage arm and the drain plug can be envisioned and designed for use.The RFID information for a vehicle or drain plug in a vehicle candictate the type of configuration between the drainage arm and the drainplug. Thus, the robotic machine can be fitted with multiple differentextended tip (34) and/or end tips (36) and designs in order to meet allthe possible drainage plugs in use for the system. Alternatively, eachof a multiple set of robotic machines can have different extended tips(34) and/or end tips (36) that match the connections for all thepossible drain plugs available.

In another aspect, a customer identification and processing unit canalso store data on or about the TMV associated with each customer, carowner, vehicle type, drain plug used, parking orientation, and any otherdata that is relevant to the operation of the robotic machine. This canfacilitate the locating of the TMV and the correct positioning of theoil change robotic unit.

The method, system, and various apparatus and elements of the inventioncan operate in the following way. The robotic machine receivesinformation regarding the target vehicle. This information may includethe license plate number, the make and model of vehicle, and a timeinterval during which the vehicle should be serviced. A computer controlin communication with the robotic machine may also be used to recordthis information in its database. Once the target vehicle is designatedfor a fluid or engine oil replacement, the robotic machine can use thelicense plate to positively identify the vehicle and the make and modelinformation to help locate the oil drain plug, determine how much oil isexpected to drain from the vehicle, and select the correct oil grade toreplace the spent oil with. In addition, the vehicle information can beused to specify the ground clearance to the oil drain plug, the locationunder the vehicle, and the type of drain plug. This information can alsobe stored in a database of the computer control.

Once the fluid exchange order is confirmed and the robot directed to thetarget vehicle, the robotic machine autonomously locates the targetvehicle. If the vehicle is in a specified location, the robot can followa fixed route or use a global positioning device to navigate to thevehicle's location. The license plate can be scanned to confirm thecorrect vehicle identity. As an optional, additional check, if the robotscans a license plate that does not agree with the expected fixed pointsof the vehicle (wheel base, vehicle type, color, for example), theprocedure is aborted and the order returned to the customer withcomments. If navigating in an area where there are other vehicles, therobotic machine is marked or otherwise made visible to other cars andpedestrians so they can avoid it.

After correctly identifying the target vehicle, the robotic machinecenters itself between the first set of wheels it senses using rangesensors (ultrasonic, sonar, radar, lidar, etc.). If the vehicleorientation (backed in vs. pulled in) is known, then the robotic machinewill move to the closer set of wheels. If the vehicle orientation isunknown or undeterminable the robotic machine will test possibleorientations to move under the vehicle. Once the robot is centeredbetween a set of wheels the robot can position itself beneath the oildrain plug in two steps. The first step is a general location under thevehicle (left or right/forward or backward) from the center between thecloser set of wheels. The second step can be a finer locationpositioning determined by using the identification marking, tag, orother indicator on the drain plug itself or a washer used with the drainplug. As discussed herein, the marking or tag can be visual, magnetic,reflective, or any other indicator that the sensors or camera on therobotic machine can accurately detect to determine the position of thedrain plug. One of skill in the art is familiar with techniques,equipment, and protocols for directing a robot as discussed herein toprecisely position itself near the drain plug.

The robotic machine is then able to connect itself to the drain plug viathe drainage arm (3) by extending it vertically or in the directiondictated by the circumstances to operably connect with the drain plug.The methods of extending the tube vertically may be one or more of thefollowing exemplary methods or apparatus: linear servo motor oractuator; rack and pinion gear; string and motor or linear slide motor;and telescoping tubes. Since the robot may not be directly below thedrain plug, the tip of the drain tube may use one or multiple of thefollowing designs: conical tip; magnetic tip; tapered tip; rounded tip.This can facilitate a sealed connection between the drain tube and thedrain plug. Optionally, the drain tube may physically attach itself withthe drain plug using one or multiple of the following exemplary methodsor apparatus: push valve; suction device; threaded end and interior boreof drain plug; magnetic connection. This establishes a liquid tightconnection. A feedback actuator can also be used with the drain arm toprovide a precise control over the connection to the drain plug.

In one example of the connection to the drain plug, a dedicated draintube can extend from the drain arm using either an internal apparatus(inside the drain tube) or using the existing external verticalextension system. The drain tube or extension from the drainage arm ismoved to depress a ball valve inside the drain plug, thus releasing thefluid held by the vehicle, which drains by gravity. This step may bebypassed if a connection mechanism depresses the ball valve, forexample, screwing the drain tube into the drain plug, which creates aliquid tight seal and also acts to release the fluid by depressing theball valve.

Spent oil is drained into the robot using gravity. This spent oil isoptionally located in the upper half of the robot to facilitate pumpingfresh oil out from the lowest point in the robot. The amount of spentoil removed is assessed by weight and/or volumetric measurementsconducted by the robot either on itself or on the flow of spent oil intoitself. A valve or system of valves directs the spent oil into acontained that is separate from that in which the fresh oil is containedto prevent them from mixing.

Fresh oil can then be pumped into the vehicle. The amount of fresh oiladded is assessed by weight and/or volumetric measurements conducted bythe robot either on itself or on the flow of fresh oil out. A valve orsystem of valves prevents the oil from being pumped into othercompartments within the robot such as the one containing the spent oil.

The robot disconnects itself from the oil drain plug. The robot sends amessage that the oil has been changed and proceeds to the next targetvehicle. It may optionally drain from itself the spent oil and/or refillitself with fresh oil for the next vehicle change.

The description and examples presented above and the contents of theapplication define and describe examples of the many combinations,apparatus, and methods that can be produced or used according to theteachings here. None of the examples and no part of the descriptionshould be taken as a limitation on the scope of the inventions or of themeaning of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for changing the engine oil of a motor vehicle comprising: a customer identification and processing unit for storing and transmitting customer identification data; a robotic servicing unit operatively connected to the identification and processing unit for servicing the vehicle upon receipt of an authorization signal, the robotic unit comprising a tube for inserting into an existing oil drain plug in the vehicle and a pump for transferring oil, and further comprising storage reservoirs for used oil and one or more types of engine oil; a signal communicator for directing the robotic unit to a vehicle and receiving information from and controlling the robotic unit, and for producing a signal authorizing payment and approving servicing for the vehicle.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the oil drain plug comprises a sealable opening and hollow interior to allow the flow of fluid from one elongated end of the plug to the other, and wherein the exterior bolt head section on one elongated end of the oil drain plug can be connected to a drainage arm of the robotic unit, and wherein the drain plug contains in its hollow interior a resistance device to seal a plugging device against the opening of the drain plug when the drainage arm is not connected to the drain plug at the exterior bolt head section.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the tube for inserting into an existing oil drain plug is connected to a drainage arm, and the drainage arm is controlled by a motor on the robotic unit, and the drainage arm further comprises an end tube that can be directed against the oil drain plug to allow the insertion of the end tube into the drain plug.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the robotic unit comprises multiple reservoirs for holding used oil.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the robotic unit comprises multiple reservoirs for fresh oil.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a rest station for the robotic unit.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the oil drain plug comprises a tag for allowing the robotic unit to precisely locate the position of the oil drain plug.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein the oil drain plug comprises an additional drain connection port or opening.
 9. The system of claim 2 wherein the oil drain plug comprises at least one valve to allow or prevent the flow of fluid.
 10. A method of operating a robotic machine to change the engine oil in a vehicle, the method comprising: maneuvering the robotic machine to an oil drain plug of a vehicle using a tag located on or near the drain plug as a locating tag or beacon; extending a drainage arm on the top of the robotic machine towards the oil drain plug; extending an end tube of the drainage arm into the outer surface of the oil drain plug; and removing the oil from the vehicle, wherein the oil drain plug comprises an exterior bolt head section on one elongated end of the oil drain plug, which section can be connected to the end tube of the drainage arm of the robotic unit, and wherein the drain plug contains a hollow interior and a resistance device in the hollow interior to seal a plugging device against the opening of the drain plug when the end tube is not connected to the drain plug.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising authorizing the robotic unit to maneuver to the vehicle by a computerized customer order system and database.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the database comprises vehicle information for locating the oil drain pan of a vehicle.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising moving the drainage arm based on the location tags positioned on the oil drain plug or a washer connected to the oil drain plug.
 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising replacing the oil with fresh oil stored in the robotic unit. 